XC or Short Travel Hardtail

I’ve got a 120mm full sub bike that I use for most of my rides but looking for a hardtail currently.

I want something pretty light so probably carbon.

100mm travel but 120mm may work. I may go with a carbon rigid fork instead.

Plenty of tyre clearance, not so much for big tyres but more for winter mud clearance.

Threaded BB

UDH compatible

Decent size chainring compatibility, preferably 36t or 38t.

It’ll be for general XC riding and going out with mates when they’re on gravel bikes. Drop bars just aren’t my thing.

I’m struggling to find anything that fits all my needs/wants.

Scott Scale?

Santa cruz Highball

Orbea Alma OMR/X? Only thing it doesn’t have is a threaded BB.

Has a rigid variant, 36T chainring, UDH and takes 2.4 tyres.

Giant XTC is alloy with a press fit BB but brilliant spec for little money. I know it’s a Giant but I have 4 Giant bikes and all have been faultless.

Specialized chisel HT?

The new Trek Procaliber

£300 airwolf/highball from ebay?

I’ve got a Titus el Viajero frame as the basis of my XC/all rounder bike. But it doesn’t tick many of your specific needs, but would in fact work well. I run mine rigid but it takes 100-120mm fork, builds up light but can be built as a capable trail bike. Threaded BB, takes 29×2.6 but probably hampers max chainring to 34t i’d imagine. No UDH either. PX only have 2 build options, and frame only is OK value, I got mine 2nd hand so it was good value. On one carbon whippet might be a cheaper and lighter option.

Main point is that I use it for general off road duties and it’s replaced a good deal of what my gravel bike did, and I love riding it, and it’s an absolute keeper. Think you’re on to the right thing going the XC route as a bit of a do anything, and it doesn’t need to be built up super light or with too-skinny tyres. You’ll have more fun off-road, and be surprisingly quick on-road.

I’m in the process of selling my Specialized Chisel HT (size med) – I’d say perfect for what you describe (although I am biased!!)